Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada kbakker, Avalanche Canada

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Freezing levels are variable throughout the region, surface conditions are your best indicator for avalanche type.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Multiple small to large wet loose and glide slab avalanches (Size 1 to 2.5) continue to be reported in the Coquihalla and Fraser Valley area from the recent warming period.

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Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, new snow covers a variably breakable crust caused by recent strong winds and above freezing temperatures. At lower elevations, the top 10-20 cm of snow is moist.

In the Coquihalla area, overnight clearing may have frozen the wet surface into a crust.

The mid and lower snowpack contains various old crusts and is generally well-settled and stable.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mainly cloudy with trace new snow at higher elevations. Alpine wind southwest 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with around 5 cm snow at higher elevations. Alpine wind southwest 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with trace new snow at higher elevations. Alpine wind southwest 25 to 35 km/h. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing level 1500 m.

FridayMainly cloudy with trace new snow at higher elevations. Alpine wind south 25 to 35 km/h. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing level rising through the day to 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New wind slabs will likely build through the day with continued snow and wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

With continued daytime warming and high freezing levels, loose wet avalanches are possible out of steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2024 4:00PM